October 30, 2012

LEWISBURG, Pa. — World-renowned classical ensemble Emerson String Quartet will perform Friday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m. at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University. The performance is sponsored, in part, by Dede and Bob Gronlund and family.

Kathryn Maguet, executive director of the Weis Center, said, "The Emerson String Quartet is the definitive American string quartet. This ensemble is truly peerless in the world of classical chamber music. I hope central Pennsylvania audiences will take this rare opportunity to experience the profound musicianship of this top notch quartet."

The Emerson String Quartet stands alone in the history of string quartets with an unparalleled list of achievements over three decades: more than 30 acclaimed recordings, nine Grammy Awards and three Gramophone Awards. Named "Ensemble of the Year" by Musical America in 2000, in March 2004 they became the 18th recipient of the coveted Avery Fisher Prize.

This year, the Quartet has performed extensively throughout North America, as well as in the Canary Islands, Paris, Moscow, Salzburg, Vienna, Copenhagen, Munich, Perugia and London. The Emerson has had a residency at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., for more than 32 seasons.

The New York Times says of the ensemble, "The performances were everything we have come to expect from this superb ensemble: technically resourceful, musically insightful, cohesive, full of character and always interesting."

Formed in the bicentennial year of the United States, the Quartet took its name from American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. Founding members, violinists Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer, were joined by violist Lawrence Dutton in 1977 and cellist David Finckel in 1979.

The ensemble recently announced what will be its first member change in 34 years, when cellist Paul Watkins replaces Finckel at the end of the 2012-13 concert season. Finckel will leave the group to devote more time to his personal artistic endeavors.

To commemorate its 25th-anniversary season, the Quartet compiled a commemorative book, Converging Lines. Written in the members' own words, the book contains never-before-published text, graphics and photos from the Emerson's private archives.

Tickets for the Nov. 9 concert are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors ages 62+ and $10 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.bucknell.edu/BoxOffice, in person at any Box Office location, or by calling the Campus Box Office at 570-577-1000.

'World to Come' Nov. 16The next event in the Weis Center series is Maya Beiser: "World to Come" Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. Described by The New Yorker as a "cello goddess," Beiser has captivated audiences worldwide with her virtuosity, eclectic repertoire, and relentless quest to redefine her instrument's boundaries.

"World to Come" is a multimedia solo concert featuring premieres of works by Steve Reich, Osvaldo Golijov and David Lang in a performance of cello music paired with vocals, dramatic lighting and interactive videos.

Tickets for the Nov. 16 event are $20 for adults, $10 for youth and $16 for seniors 62+.

Middle school and high school students may receive a special discount ($5 tickets for students and $10 for their accompanying parent/guardian) by calling the Box Office at 570-577-1000 and mentioning promo code CELLO.

Other tickets can be purchased online at http://www.bucknell.edu/BoxOffice, in person at any box office location, or by calling the Campus Box Office at 570-577-1000.

For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach coordinator, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu.

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